The handball community has lost one of its most devoted figures. Wolfgang Lowak, a retired teacher, accomplished player, licensed coach and respected IHF lecturer, died on June 12 at the age of 77 after a serious illness.

Born in Hörnsheim in September 1948 and raised in Niederkleen, Lowak devoted his life to handball, first as a player, then as a coach, and later as a highly regarded educator of the game. He began his playing career with TSV Niederkleen before attracting the attention of nearby TV Hüttenberg. Under the guidance of Rudolf Spengler and Josip Milkovic, he developed into a key player for Hüttenberg’s Bundesliga side in the late 1960s and early 1970s. His performances earned him four appearances for the German senior national team. He ended his playing career with TSV Butzbach in 1975.

Lowak left his greatest mark as a coach and IHF lecturer. After obtaining his A-level coaching licence in 1985, he was soon recognised by the International Handball Federation as an expert in coaching methodology and joined its Commission of Coaching and Methods, which is dedicated to the recruitment and development of young talent worldwide. His work took him across the globe, especially to Asia. Between 1986 and 1990, he spent four years in Bahrain, where he helped build handball structures and assemble a men’s national team from scratch.

In Germany, Lowak coached the TV Mainzlar women’s Bundesliga team in two spells between 1991 and 1998, guiding them to a fourth-place finish in the 1991/92 season and into European competition. He later worked with SG Kleenheim and KSV Baunatal in the second division, continuing his coaching career after moving to the Westerwald region.

In 2021, Lowak returned to international handball once more, taking charge of a project in Jordan for the IHF and the German Olympic Sports Confederation. After being given a celebratory send-off in Amman in 2025, he returned to Germany.

The IHF President, Dr Hassan Moustafa, joins the entire handball community in extending its deepest condolences to Mr. Lowak's family, friends, and all those who had the privilege to work alongside him. His legacy will continue to inspire the sport for years to come.